Fishman to perform March 1 at Zankel

Musician Howard Fishman and journalist/photographer Michael Benanav visited rural Romania to learn more about the American Jewish identity. They'll share their musical memoir March 1 at Zankel.

 “No Further Instructions,” a performance by Howard Fishman with New York Times travel journalist and photographer Michael Benanav, gets under way at 8 p.m. Friday, March 1, in the Arthur Zankel Music Center.

The program combines original music, historical memoir, storytelling and compelling photography to share the duo’s exploits and experiences as American Jews in rural Romania. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for seniors and the Skidmore community, and free for students and children. Please click here for ticket information.

“No Further Instructions” seeks to unravel the complexities of the American Jewish identity. The songs work to develop an introspective narrative about the rich experiences and eccentric people that the pair encountered in Eastern Europe. As Fishman explains, “At its core, ‘No Further Instructions’ is about community and spirituality in the 21^st century — about what it means to live a mindful life, and what connects us all as humans and citizens of the world.”

Fishman uses his music to develop a more profound understanding of his heritage and identity as a Jewish American. The content is personal, the voice is Jewish, and the music is incredibly American. A critically acclaimed singer, guitarist, composer and bandleader, Fishman filters a deep passion for jazz, soul, open-hearted country, blues, and gospel music through an original, experimental aesthetic to create a unique sound.

He began his musical career on the streets of New Orleans and the subways of New York before landing his first major engagement at the Algonquin’s Oak Room in 1999. Since then he has headlined in a number of top venues in the U.S. and abroad, including Lincoln Center, the Steppenwolf Theatre, the Blue Note, and Le Petit Journal in Paris.

A frequent guest on NPR, Fishman has appeared on “Fresh Air” with Terry Gross, “World Café” with David Dye, and “Soundcheck” with John Schaefer, among many others.

Fishman’s most recent recording, his 10^th, is The Howard Fishman Quartet Vol. III: Moon Country, released in 2011. The Frozen North, his original score for the Buster Keaton silent film of the same name, was programmed and performed as part of the 2012 New York Guitar Festival at Merkin Hall in New York City. He has recently been working on a new project titled A Star Has Burnt My Eye, an examination of the life and music of Connie Converse.

“No Further Instructions” is part of the Jacob Perlow Series of events presented at Skidmore College by the Office of the Dean of Special Programs.